We’ve been fortunate enough to sail on countless ships, experience myriad itineraries, and savor the unique flavor each cruise line brings to the table. But every so often, a cruise ship comes along that truly makes us sit up and take notice. The Norwegian Prima, NCL’s groundbreaking vessel, is undoubtedly one of those ships. We recently had the pleasure of embarking on a fantastic cruise vacation aboard the Prima, and let us tell you, it was an experience filled with both delightful surprises and a few head-scratching moments.
Our aim, as your trusted cruise experts, is to provide you with an honest, comprehensive, and thoroughly enjoyable review of the Norwegian Prima. We’ve meticulously cataloged our thoughts, separating the truly magnificent from the slightly less stellar, to help you make informed decisions for your next cruise booking. So, grab a comfy seat, perhaps a cup of coffee (or a fruity cocktail, if you’re already in that cruise mindset!), and join us as we delve into our 8 things we loved and 8 things we didn’t about the Norwegian Prima.
From the moment we stepped aboard, the Norwegian Prima exuded a fresh, contemporary vibe that set it apart. It’s clear NCL invested heavily in creating a new standard, and in many areas, they truly succeeded.
1. The Indulgent Haven Experience: A Ship-Within-A-Ship Elevated
For frequent cruisers, the concept of a “ship-within-a-ship” is familiar, but The Haven on Prima takes it to an entirely new level. We’ve enjoyed Haven experiences before, but this felt like a quantum leap forward.
Personalized Service Beyond Compare
The attentiveness of the Haven staff was simply phenomenal. From our dedicated butler anticipating our needs to the concierge team effortlessly handling every request, we felt genuinely pampered. It’s these small, personalized touches that truly elevate a cruise vacation.
Exclusive Spaces That Deliver Serenity
The Haven restaurant was a highlight, offering exquisite dining in an intimate setting. We relished the tranquility of the Haven’s private pool deck, a welcome oasis away from the main deck’s energy. The Haven Lounge was also a fantastic spot for a pre-dinner drink or a quiet afternoon read. For those seeking a truly luxurious and exclusive experience, The Haven on Prima is an absolute game-changer.
2. Culinary Excellence: A Feast for Every Palate
We consider ourselves foodies, and the Norwegian Prima did not disappoint in the culinary department. NCL has always had a strong reputation for dining, and the Prima continues this tradition with impressive flair.
Innovation in Main Dining: Hudson’s and The Commodore Room
The main dining rooms, Hudson’s and The Commodore Room, offered diverse menus with fresh, high-quality ingredients. We particularly loved the more open and airy feel of Hudson’s with its stunning aft views. The service was consistently excellent, and the pace of dining felt just right.
Specialty Restaurants That Shine
We indulged in several specialty restaurants, and each was a memorable experience. Cagney’s Steakhouse lived up to its legendary reputation, delivering perfectly cooked steaks. Palomar, the new Mediterranean seafood restaurant, was a delightful surprise with its fresh flavors and elegant ambiance. We also thoroughly enjoyed Nama Sushi, where the sushi was expertly prepared and incredibly fresh. For those planning their cruise booking, we highly recommend reserving these specialty dining experiences in advance.
3. The Incredible Outdoor Spaces: Deck 8’s Ocean Boulevard
One of the most impressive design elements of the Norwegian Prima is the reimagined Deck 8, dubbed Ocean Boulevard. This expansive outdoor promenade truly redefines how we interact with the ocean on a cruise ship.
The Concourse: Art and Serenity by the Sea
The Concourse, with its stunning art installations, provided a serene walk along the ship’s exterior. We loved finding a quiet bench and simply watching the waves go by.
Infinity Beach: Dazzling Views and Relaxation
Infinity Beach, with its glass-sided hot tubs extending over the ocean, was a true showstopper. It offered unparalleled views and a unique sensation of being truly connected to the sea. It quickly became one of our favorite spots to unwind.
The Oceanwalk: A Thrilling Glass Bridge
For those with a penchant for adventure, The Oceanwalk, a glass-bottomed bridge, offered a thrilling perspective of the ocean below. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and a great way to experience the ship’s impressive scale.
4. Groundbreaking Entertainment: A Broadway-Caliber Experience
NCL has consistently pushed the boundaries of cruise ship entertainment, and the Prima continues this trend with truly exceptional productions.
“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical”
We were absolutely blown away by “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.” The talent, the costumes, the staging – it felt like we were watching a Broadway show, not a production on a cruise ship. The energy was infectious, and the performers were truly incredible. This show alone is a compelling reason to consider a cruise on the Prima.
Interactive Game Shows and Immersive Experiences
Beyond the main theater, the Prima offered a variety of engaging entertainment options, from interactive game shows to the innovative “Live From The Set” game show. These added another layer of fun and participation to our cruise vacation.
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5. The Thrilling Prima Speedway: A Race to Remember
For those who crave a bit of adrenaline, the Prima Speedway is an absolute must-try. This multi-level racetrack is a significant upgrade from previous NCL go-kart tracks.
Faster Karts and More Challenging Track
The karts felt faster and the track design was more intricate and challenging, making for a genuinely exhilarating experience. We found ourselves coming back for multiple races – it’s that much fun!
Seamless Operation and Safety
The staff managing the Speedway were incredibly efficient, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for everyone. It’s a fantastic way to burn off some energy and unleash your inner race car driver.
6. The Indulgence Food Hall: A Culinary Wonderland
The Indulge Food Hall is a brilliant concept that transforms traditional buffet dining into a much more refined and enjoyable experience.
Diverse Culinary Offerings
We loved the variety of food stalls, each offering a different cuisine. From Indian to Italian, from Latin American to American comfort food, there was something to satisfy every craving.
Orderly and Efficient Service
Instead of jostling in a buffet line, we simply found a table, scanned a QR code, and ordered from our phones. The food was then freshly prepared and delivered directly to our table. This system not only felt more upscale but also significantly reduced waste and improved the overall dining experience.
7. Mandara Spa & Thermal Suite: A Haven of Relaxation
The Mandara Spa on the Prima is a sanctuary of serenity, and its thermal suite is particularly impressive.
The Expansive Thermal Suite
We spent several blissful hours in the thermal suite, enjoying the heated loungers, saunas, steam rooms, and the invigorating experience showers. It’s a truly rejuvenating space.
Stunning Ocean Views from the Spa
The spa’s design incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking ocean views from many of its relaxation areas. It added an extra layer of tranquility to our spa day.
8. The Vibe and Design: Modern Elegance
The overall aesthetic of the Norwegian Prima is one of modern elegance. It feels less like a traditional cruise ship and more like a chic, upscale resort.
Thoughtful Interior Design
Throughout the ship, we noticed thoughtful design elements, from the contemporary artwork to the stylish furnishings. The public spaces felt inviting and well-appointed.
Abundance of Natural Light
The ship’s design prioritizes natural light, with large windows and open spaces that create a bright and airy atmosphere. It contributes to a feeling of spaciousness and connection to the outside world.
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Prima’s Peculiarities: 8 Things We Didn’t Quite Love
While our overall experience on the Norwegian Prima was overwhelmingly positive, no ship is perfect. We encountered a few aspects that, in our expert opinion, could use a little refinement.
1. The Main Pool Deck: A Bit Underwhelming
Compared to the grandeur of the rest of the ship, the main pool deck felt surprisingly small and, at times, a bit crowded.
Limited Seating and Deck Space
We found it challenging to secure a sun lounger, especially on sea days. The overall deck space around the pool felt somewhat constrained for a ship of this size.
Lack of a Central “Wow” Factor
While the Infinity Beach on Deck 8 was spectacular, the main pool area didn’t offer the same kind of visual appeal or spaciousness that we’ve come to expect from larger cruise ships.
2. Cabin Size (Standard Balcony): A Tight Squeeze
While beautifully appointed, our standard balcony stateroom felt noticeably smaller than cabins we’ve experienced on other newer cruise ships.
Limited Storage Space
We found ourselves constantly reorganizing our belongings due to the limited storage options. For longer cruise vacations, this could become a real issue.
Smaller Bathroom Footprint
The bathroom, while functional, also felt a little cramped. It’s a small detail, but when you’re spending a week or more in a cabin, every inch counts.
3. The Waterfront Restaurant Seating: A Missed Opportunity
We appreciated the concept of having restaurants with outdoor seating along Ocean Boulevard, but the execution felt a bit off.
Uncomfortable Chairs and Lack of Shade
Many of the outdoor chairs felt stiff and uncomfortable, making it difficult to linger and enjoy the beautiful views. Additionally, the lack of sufficient shade made dining outdoors during sunny hours somewhat unpleasant.
Inconsistent Service Outdoors
We also noticed a slight dip in service quality when dining at the outdoor tables, perhaps due to the staff being spread thin between indoor and outdoor sections.
4. The Prima Speedway’s Pricing: A Costly Thrill
While we absolutely loved the Prima Speedway, the pricing felt a bit steep, especially for families who might want to race multiple times.
Individual Race Charges Add Up Quickly
Each race came with a separate charge, and these costs can quickly accumulate if you or your family are keen on frequent rides. We’d love to see a package option or a more inclusive pricing model.
No Included Race for Haven Guests
Given the premium cost of The Haven, we were surprised that a complimentary race or two wasn’t included as part of the Haven perks.
5. The Casino’s Smoke Odor: Lingering Issue
Unfortunately, the casino on the Norwegian Prima, like many cruise ship casinos, suffered from a persistent smoke odor, even in non-smoking areas.
Unpleasant for Non-Smokers
For non-smokers like us, this significantly detracted from our ability to enjoy the casino’s offerings or even walk through it without holding our breath.
Ineffective Ventilation
Despite efforts to ventilate, the smell permeated beyond the designated smoking sections, impacting adjacent areas.
6. Shore Excursion Planning: Room for Improvement
While NCL offers a wide range of shore excursion options, we found the online booking platform and the information provided to be a bit cumbersome.
Clunky Online Interface
The website for browsing and booking shore excursions felt outdated and not as user-friendly as it could be. We encountered a few glitches during our cruise booking process for excursions.
Lack of Detailed Information
We often wished for more detailed descriptions of the excursions, including practical tips on what to wear, accessibility information, and more realistic estimations of activity levels. This is crucial for both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers alike.
7. Embarkation Day Lunch Options: A Bit Chaotic
Embarkation day is always a bustling affair, but we found the lunch options on the Prima to be particularly chaotic.
Overwhelmed Buffet
The main buffet, while offering a good selection, was incredibly crowded and difficult to navigate. We spent a significant amount of time searching for an available table.
Limited Alternative Options
Aside from the buffet, other casual dining options were either not yet open or had long lines, leaving us with fewer choices for a relaxed first meal on board.
8. Wi-Fi Connectivity and Cost: Still a Work in Progress
We understand that satellite internet on a cruise ship is inherently challenging, but the Wi-Fi on the Prima, while functional, was still quite expensive and occasionally unreliable.
High Prices for Limited Bandwidth
The cost of Wi-Fi packages felt quite high, especially considering that the speed and consistency weren’t always optimal. For those who need to stay connected for work or family, this can be a significant budget consideration for their cruise vacation.
Occasional Drops and Slow Speeds
We experienced intermittent drops in connection and slow speeds, particularly during peak usage times. While we appreciate the effort, there’s still room for improvement in this area across the cruise industry.
Our Final Verdict on the Norwegian Prima
The Norwegian Prima is, without a doubt, an innovative and impressive cruise ship. It’s a bold step forward for NCL, showcasing a commitment to modern design, exceptional dining, and groundbreaking entertainment. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise vacation and would highly recommend it to both first-time cruisers looking for a contemporary and exciting experience, and frequent cruise travelers seeking something fresh and new.
While there are a few areas for improvement, the “loves” far outweigh the “didn’t loves.” The ship’s focus on elegant outdoor spaces, diverse culinary offerings, and top-tier entertainment truly sets it apart. If you’re considering a cruise booking on the Norwegian Prima, be prepared for a vibrant, sophisticated, and memorable journey. We can confidently say that this cruise ship offers a fantastic platform for creating unforgettable memories, whether you’re exploring the cruise port or simply enjoying the ship’s incredible amenities. Happy sailing!